Protest organised for Fine Gael convention in Castlebar

A amalgamation of a number of anti-austerity groups have planned a protest in Castlebar to coincide with the Fine Gael national convention taking place in the town next weekend.

The senior Government party is holding its national convention in The Royal Theatre, Castlebar, next Friday February 20 and Saturday February 21, and a number of groups including Right2Water, People Before Profit Alliance, and Mayo Says No have organised a protest march to the convention. The protest will get under way on Saturday February 21 at 12.30pm in Market Square, Castlebar, and will march through the town to the Royal Theatre, where the convention is taking place.

Danny Coffey, a member of People Before Profit Alliance in Mayo, said: “We have all suffered from cuts to health, social welfare, and other vital services, it’s time to send this Government a message. End their austerity policies.” The organisers of the protest have said that they are expecting well over 1,000 people at the protest and march.